Jody Lee Merriam Obituary (1959 - 2016)

Jody Lee Merriam, age 56 of Three Rivers died Wednesday March 16, 2016 at Bronson Methodist Hospital following a three month illness. He was born in Kalamazoo on July 17, 1959 the son of Allen and Anna (Hoogakker) Merriam. Jody graduated from Vicksburg High School with the class of 1979. He was married to Marcia Shingledecker on Aug. 22, 1982 in Vicksburg and they have resided in Three Rivers since their marriage. Jody had worked at Crocker Limited, and American Metal Fab for several years, and was currently employed at Peterson Spring Corporation. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge #2303, and the Sons of the American Legion. He was active in Moose Lodge #474 in Three Rivers, the West Michigan Legion of Moose #106, and Higher Degree #5. He worked the weekly Bingo games at the Moose Lodge and bowled in the Moose Mixed League. Jody loved people, and was always helping others. Jody is survived by his wife, Marcia; his parents, Allen and Anna Merriam of Vicksburg; sister, Gail (Robert) Feister of Three Rivers; brothers, Terry (Dorothy) Merriam of Bronson and Jerry (Marie) Merriam of Sturgis; in laws, Ray (Sue) Shingledecker of Three Rivers; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother in law, David Cornell; nephew, Roger Horein; and great nephew, Damian Van Leiu. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 am Saturday March 19, 2016 at the Eickhoff Farrand Halverson Chapel in Three Rivers. Memorial services will begin at 11 am Saturday at the funeral home with Chaplain Dan Lane officiating and a Moose Memorial tribute by the Cereal City Ritual Team. It is suggested that memorials be directed to Moose Lodge #474. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.efhchapel.com